The Uruguayan international has notched 16 goals in just 17 Serie A appearances so far this season, and has added a further nine in seven domestic and European cup games to take his tally to 25 goals in 24 outings.

Manchester City assistant Angelo Gregucci has previously revealed the Premier League champion's interest in Cavani, but this marks Wenger's first public acknowledgement of the forward.

"Cavani is a player that I like. What is for sure is that he costs a lot of money," Wenger told reporters.

The Arsenal manager stepped up his certainty of a contract extension being signed by the England international on Thursday by adding: "My optimism [regarding Walcott's new deal] is at 99 percent now."

Reports have suggested that the England international was after a clause in his contract guaranteeing him more chances to play as the central striker, after being used mainly as a winger during his time with Arsenal, but Wenger has denied those claims.